# Candle vs Reading Light

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Candle at 59% against Reading Light's 0%. Candle also leads on iOS requirement (7.0 vs 18.0). Reading Light's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 2.8). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Candle sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Reading Light sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Reading Light holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 14 and 7 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 59% of Candle's written reviews are positive against 0% of Reading Light's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Candle ships an update monthly, Reading Light every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Candle | Reading Light |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.8 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/candle-realistic-flickering-flame-effect-free-version/id1097332734/reviews) | **[5.0 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-light-nightlight/id6753646047/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **14** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | **58.8% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 8 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | [Cloud Garden Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1016843581) | [Artiom Yakoventsev](https://appshunter.io/developer/1827801312) |

## What reviewers say

### Candle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/candle-realistic-flickering-flame-effect-free-version/id1097332734)

Simulate a realistic flickering candle flame on your device. This app uses a unique algorithm to create dynamic lighting effects and shadows, offering a relaxing ambiance. Customize the flame color to suit your mood.

**Highlights:** Realistic flickering flame simulation, Dynamic lighting and shadow effects, Customizable flame color, Creates relaxing ambiance, Simulates real candle behavior

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ads Free | $1.99 | one-time |


### Reading Light

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-light-nightlight/id6753646047)

Transform your device into a calming reading light or a mood lamp. Offers adjustable screen light for late-night reading and soothing visual effects to help you unwind.

**Highlights:** Adjustable warm/neutral white light, Solid color selection, Gradient color blends, Realistic candle flicker effect, Ambient visual effects, Full-screen glow, Adjustable brightness

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Lifetime Premium | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Candle free?

Candle is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Reading Light free?

Reading Light is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Candle or Reading Light?

Reading Light is rated higher. Candle averages 2.8 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while Reading Light averages 5.0 from 7 ratings.

### Do Candle or Reading Light have ads?

Neither Candle nor Reading Light shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Candle or Reading Light?

Candle ships an update monthly, and Reading Light every 2 months. Most recently, Candle was updated on November 6, 2026 and Reading Light on October 31, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*